News
INEC phases out use of Smart Card Readers on election day

The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Yakubu Mahmood has announced that Nigerians will no longer use Smart Card Readers as means of authenticating voters beginning with the Isoko South 1 bye-election to hold on September 11, 2021.

Yakubu who was speaking during the third quarterly meeting with media organisations held on Tuesday in Abuja, said that among the focal points of the meeting with the media was to hear from them the concerns they have on election matters; then present and demonstrate to the media how the Bio-modal Voter Accreditation electronic device that will be used in authenticating voters on election day works.

“When you go to the field in Isoko, I am sure most of you will cover the elections or organisations will send reporters, you are likely to see two things, one example is that you may not see and wonder why you will not see a smart card reader on election day in Isoko.
We are piloting a new device which is going to be presented and demonstrated at this meeting if it works according to plan then we will then deploy it in November in Anambra and also in February in FCT elections in June and July next year and we are hoping in the 2023 general election”, Yakubu said,
The Chairman explained that it was important for the newsmen to see first hand how the device is operated as it will give them an edge when reporting during the coming offseason elections and general election in 2023.
“My Bio-modal device is used for continuous voter registration, authentication of voters in the field and also to upload results after elections.
“It has a fingerprint scanner, camera for facial recognition and barcode to read contact cards contact less card. Also data from each polling unit is installed in the system in such a way that when a voter comes with his card and he or she is not in that polling unit, the information in the system will indicate so.
He said “today’s meeting will focus essentially on the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship election holding in less than two months. In addition to other activities, we devolved the CVR to the 326 Registration Areas (or Wards) in addition to the 21 Local Government offices and the State Office of the Commission.
“The physical exercise was suspended two days ago i.e. 60 days to the election as required by law. However, the online pre-registration option will continue to be available but no appointment for completion of registration can be scheduled until after the election.”
“In the next few days, the Commission will compile the register of new voters and publish the same throughout the State for claims and objections.
“Thereafter, we will clean up the data, print the PVCs for collection by registrants and compile the actual register of voters to be used in each of the 5,720 polling units in the State.
“I want to assure every newly registered voter in Anambra State, including those who applied to transfer from within and outside the State or for the replacement of damaged or lost PVCs that their cards will be printed and made available to them for collection before the election.”

News
Report of attack on Wike’s Port Harcourt residence false, misleading – Police

The Rivers State Police Command has described reports on several news outlets that hoodlums have attacked the Port Harcourt residence of Nyesom Wike as false and misleading.

The police said nothing close to attack ever took place on Sunday on the residence of Wike who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory as mischievously reported in sections of the media.

On Sunday night, several online media platforms alleged that Wike’s residence was under siege and had been torched by unidentified individuals.
Reacting in a statement on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, described the reports as false and misleading, stating the the report was a connivance between some elements and the media to cause unrest and further create panic.
The statement read: “The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading and malicious report circulating on various online media platforms, falsely claiming that riots have erupted in Rivers State, leading to the burning of the residence of the former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, along with other acts of violence.”
She further stated that the state remains peaceful, and there has been no such attack on Wike’s residence or any other major security breach.
“The Command categorically states that this report is entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to incite unrest and spread fear among law-abiding residents. There is no record of any such incident, and normalcy prevails across the state,” she said.
The police spokesperson warned against spreading misinformation, emphasizing that those found guilty of fabricating such reports would face legal consequences.
According to the spokesperson, “The Police Command sternly warns those responsible for spreading such incendiary falsehoods to desist from engaging in activities capable of inciting public disorder. The full weight of the law will be brought to bear on individuals or groups found guilty of spreading misinformation or attempting to disrupt the peace in any form.”
She reassured residents of the police command’s commitment to maintaining security in Rivers State and urged the public to rely only on credible sources for information while reporting any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

News
NUJ at 70: Governor Ododo pledges support for independent, free press

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, congratulates the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on its 70th anniversary, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to press freedom and media independence.

Governor Ododo commended the NUJ for its remarkable contributions to democracy, good governance, and national development over the past seven decades.

He described the media as a critical pillar of democracy, playing a crucial role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring transparency in governance.
“For seventy years, the NUJ has been at the forefront of promoting responsible journalism, defending press freedom, and shaping public discourse. A free and independent press is the foundation of a thriving democracy, and my administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment where journalists can operate without fear or intimidation,” he stated.
The governor acknowledged the resilience and dedication of journalists in delivering credible information despite challenges.
He emphasized the need for media professionals to uphold the ethics of journalism, combat misinformation, and embrace technological advancements and innovation to enhance their professional excellence.
Governor Ododo also assured media practitioners in Kogi State of his government’s continued support in strengthening the press as a force for positive change.
He called on the NUJ to remain steadfast in its mission to uphold journalistic integrity and professionalism.
“As we celebrate this milestone, I commend the leadership and members of the NUJ for their steadfast commitment to truth and accountability. I am confident that the union will continue to set high standards in journalism, contributing to the progress of our great nation,” he added.
He wished the union continued success in its pursuit of a free, independent, and responsible press.

News
BREAKING: Rivers House of Assembly serves Governor Fubara impeachment notice, alleges misconduct

After a long legal battle between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and 27 State House of Assembly legislators loyal to the former governor, Nyesom Wike which was fought up to the Supreme Court in favour of lawmakers, a notice of impeachment has been served on the Governor on Monday in Portharcourt,

The notice a copy of which was obtained by CAPITAL POST alleged gross misconduct against Governor and his Depuy, Ngozi Odu, thereby escalating fresh crisis in the oil rich city.

The alleged infraction if proved is constitutionally strong to orchestrate impeachment which has been the focus of the lawmakers since they won at the Supreme Court and were back to sitting in the State parliament as all entreaties by the governor was rebuffed by the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule.
In the heat of post Supreme Court crisis, the political godfather of the 27 lawmakers, Nyesom Wike who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, said he will not put a stumbling block to the Assembly members if they chose to do their work.
In the long drawn battle, allies of Nyesom Wike insisted that the governor has 80% gone out of the office, hence, Monday’s letter only goes to show the Assembly’s resolution to remove governor Fubara out of office. This is despite Fubara’s effort to present the 2025 budget of Rivers State to the Assembly after he was put under pressure to do by the lawmakers.
The notice, submitted to the Speaker through the Clerk of the Assembly, cites reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds among other allegations, that will put the governor under tight corner of not being able to defend the allegations.
Reacting, some political figures have called for Fubara’s resignation or impeachment, others, including the Ijaw National Congress, have warned against such actions, citing potential instability in the region.
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is suspecting President Bola Tinubu’s support to lawmakers impeaching Fubara, saying, the plot would not be possible without getting green light from the presidency.
The impeachment process involves several legal steps, including the formation of a Committee to investigate the allegations. If found guilty, Fubara and his deputy could face removal from office.
The situation remains volatile, with governance in the state effectively stalled due to the political impasse.
Read Full Details Here: https://nujfct.ng/breaking-rivers-state-house-of-assembly-serves-impeachment-notice-on-governor-Fubara-and-deputy

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